Comments on: Writing an Honest, Balanced and Meaningful IFSP Narrative

By: Marcela

Marcela — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 18:10:03 +0000

A didactic guide to the proper composition our reports

By: Marcela

Marcela — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 18:08:35 +0000

A very didactic explanation about how to write our reports correctly. This is a useful tool for us to be clear and write our write and IFSP report objectively.

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 20:29:28 +0000

In reply to Gena.

Yay! I’m so happy to hear that this post provided you with some clarification. I think your struggle is not uncommon. It’s so important to present the the “whole” child in the narrative because all of us are more than our weaknesses. I do understand about the “endless” emphasis on child strengths – it’s putting that perspective into practice that’s tricky. Even reflecting on that as you’ve done is setting you on the right path to doing this well! Thanks for posting your thoughts!

And welcome to the field, Gena! 🙂

By: Gena

Gena — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 20:23:28 +0000

As a student in ECSE, and currently going through my EI student teaching experience, this article grounded many of my wobbly thoughts. Let me clarify: I’ve been taught endlessly about how important it is to emphasize children’s strengths. Therefore I always struggle to create an accurate narrative – after all, we need to understand the child’s weaknesses, too! I’m just so glad that you addressed this issue. I hope that others realize how important it is to create a balanced profile of the child.

I also like how you phrased “next steps.” It is a positive way of discussing some weaknesses- and I will definitely be using that term.

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Thu, 30 May 2013 19:39:35 +0000

In reply to Beth.

I’ve heard many people say that too, Beth. It’s easy to look at a sample but much harder to replicate it in real life. I’m going to be videotaping a few assessments soon so I’ll ask for a copy of the narratives too to go along with the videos. The learning curve is definately a reality. Hang in there. Can you all link up with another program for support? Maybe go observe some IFSP meetings to see how the narratives are written?

By: Beth

Beth — Thu, 30 May 2013 18:53:25 +0000

Great thoughts. I would love to see a good example of a narrative done during an assessment (with time limitations, with parents talking, and a child moving around, etc. etc. etc.). Our team has this goal, but some of us are getting discouraged and stressed…. maybe just part of the learning curve?

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Thu, 30 May 2013 13:12:37 +0000

In reply to Cathy Cook.

Thanks for the feedback, Cathy! You make a great point about the IFSP and adult education. That’s really one of the purposes of the narrative – to get the EI partnership between the parent and provider off on the right start. If parents don’t understand or can’t use the IFSP narrative, then it’s not well written!

By: Cathy Cook

Cathy Cook — Thu, 30 May 2013 13:02:42 +0000

This article is %100 on target for a child and for a family. The “next skills” piece provides a family with expectations that they may not realize or come up with themselves. Parents are so close to the child that it is hard to project the continuum. An IFSP written with this and with the 3 indicators offers adult education with paramount benefit for all. Thanks Dana!